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Description:
Updated 12-10-04 to v12 (including a "lighter" middle section and Snoopy and Woodstock).
This is a Christmas song that was written by my father, Al Ligammari Sr., 35 years ago. My family sings this every year. I thought it would be a great idea to have some of my fellow MacJammers contribute instrumental or vocal parts for this to be a complete song. This is a gift for him this holiday season. So far, I think this is the largest collaboration on MacJams.
The following people were gracious to commit their time to this project.
MissChaos, midi piano and string performance/arrangement (Milwaukee, WI)
Joanna, vocals and "Oooohs" (Los Angeles, CA)
SlimGirlFat, vocals (London, England)
Ka-Klick, real (kapoed) guitars and vocals (West Des Moines, IA)
PackOSmoke, vocals (Fremont, CA)
Paul_T, real guitars and midi guitars (Brooklyn, CT)
TK Tran, vocals (Washington, DC)
Dadai, real recorder (Santa Barbara, CA)
Al Ligammari Sr., lyrics/music and vocals (Niagara Falls, NY)
Patricia Greinert, vocals (Niagara Falls, NY)
Alimar, vocals, midi French Horns and midi piano (Niagara Falls, NY)
Additions: Snoopy & Woodstock, sleigh bells and triangle courtesy of Scorpjammer, (Reading, PA)
My dad thanks you all... and I thank you, too!
My humblist apologies to those who were waiting to submit parts closer to the 11th of December. The decision was made to move up the release date to accomodate my dad's desire to "get it out there". He asked me to record this 25 years ago... and I well... you know?! If you have a part you wish to be included, I will "mix" it in there! The more, The MERRIER!
Lyrics:
Yuletide Joy (Music and lyrics Copyright ©2004 Al Ligammari Sr. – All Rights Reserved)
Christmas is for little kids
I certainly ought to know
Because I was a little kid
Not very long ago
Chorus:
We never tire of listening to the story
About the coming of the Christ child and his glory
And how he came to give us love
And peace from heaven above
The laughter in the falling snow
In joy they play along
As tots with bright red cheeks aglow
Sing of this joyous song
Repeat Chorus
Tots will dream of Santa Claus
And gifts that he will bring
But they will not forget I know
This glorious song we sing
Repeat Chorus
The joys of life this season brings
The many thanks we owe
And so to him this song we sing
For he has made it so
Repeat Chorus
Hardware:
Many different Macs!
Software:
GarageBand 1.1, iChat and .mac (for "dropping" the .BAND and mp3 files). Each segment was mixed by the various people who submitted. Final assembly and mix by me.
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Inspiring! &mdash 12/06/04 - 10:00:23 PM
I only wish I could have been a part, but time was not on my side these past few weeks. This is an amazing collab and each and every one of you ought to be extremely proud of this work. Downloaded and added to my collection! [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful &mdash 12/06/04 - 10:13:17 PM
An instant Christmas classic. I feel I can safely vote on this
as I only sang a couple of backing tracks and wasn't
involved in the mix or finished product. :P I like how SGF's
vocals anchor everyone's backing vocals and feels like
such a pleasant Christmas Carol.
Merry Christmas, this track deserves to be on anyone's
Christmas playlist! [ Reply to This ]
Impressive &mdash 12/06/04 - 10:37:29 PM
And getting to see the process was neat. Many people
really got into it and I think that's a testament to the
beautiful song which your father wrote so many years ago.
Who knows, maybe it'll get picked up and made into one
of those songs we ALL sing every Christmas.
Having listened to the song at various stages, I must
admit I liked the song better when it was less,
ummm...well, when it was less. It had so much charm.
Now I feel the final mix is too lush. Individual voices
cannot be discerned. It sounds as if you were trying to
cover something up. No need--the singers did an
excellent job. And along the theme of "less", the two
duelling guitar solos "busify" a song which needs to feel
less like shopping at Wal Mart on Thanksgiving weekend
and more like sitting in front of the fire with family and
friends.
I hope this doesn't alienate me from this fantastic
community of musicians here at MJ. It's just that I think
the real beauty and charm of this song has been
overlooked--the simple beauty of a family sing-along. [ Reply to This ]
Impressive &mdash 12/06/04 - 10:49:15 PM
Pooey, thanks for the comments. I understand your feelings of warmth and a
small family singing by the fireside. But it is a sing along song. If you don't
sing at our Eve party... WATCH OUT! BTW, You have never seen my family.
LOL! My dad had 8 brothers and sisters... and my mom had 13. With all the
aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, neices, grand-kids, etc., etc. gathered
together when WE sing at Christmas... Well, it's like the Mormon Tabernacle
Choir! Hallelujah!
PS - No one is going to alienate you! Merry Christmas!
---
"Happy Holidays" [ Reply to This ]
Impressive &mdash 12/07/04 - 08:46:21 AM
And as the author of the busy guitar section, I'm not at all offended. In fact I
agree with you. I think Alimar, bless him, was trying so hard to please
everybody and get everybody's bits into the song that he added more than he
needed to.
I think next year we could do twelve differnt versions of this song in twelve
different styles . . . maybe then my part would fit in!
Kudos to Alimar and his family and everyone here!!! I feel like part of the
Band Aid project!
---
I've been over the hill, now I'm coming back. [ Reply to This ]
Impressive &mdash 12/07/04 - 12:10:03 PM
I think the different versions idea would be cool. I had thoughts of arranging
this song for the SSA choir at my school. Next year...that may give me
enough time.
There is something great about using the technology to bring together artists
from around the world. In that regard, this project was a sheer success. I'll
keep my ear to the ground for future collaborations. [ Reply to This ]
Impressive &mdash 12/08/04 - 12:29:52 PM
oooohh-i like the different versions idea (which i am taking to mean different
genres). just think of 'techno xmas' or an industrial 'sleigh ride'.. on dasher,
on dancer *crack* i think red & black go nicely together, hehee [ Reply to This ]
Impressive &mdash 07/15/05 - 08:06:55 AM
Glad you brought this out &mdash 12/06/04 - 10:59:46 PM
It was great fun to pitch in on this. Pooey, I hear what
you're saying on the simplicity thing, and in some ways I
agree with you, though, I don't think I would have thought
so much of WalMart as of, say, "The Mainstreet Singers"
(from the mockumentary "A Mighty Wind") or, say, a
holiday special. Anyway, I think that's what happens when
this many start pitching in to the soup. I for one am not at
all offended by what you're saying, but I think in this case
either choice can work, and it went to the more heavily
produced side. I also still don't agree with you about the
interwoven guitar solos, I don't think it worked as well as
a single, they weave together and create counterpoint that
a single melody line can't add, but I respect your opinion. [ Reply to This ]
Ooooohs &mdash 12/06/04 - 11:44:49 PM
It was a lot of fun working on this with all of you. I loved
hearing the various stages and think it turned out great!
Thanks for letting me play along.
-- Joanna [ Reply to This ]
Spread the Joy... &mdash 12/07/04 - 12:33:50 AM
The beauty of this song is the fact that so many people
from different parts of the globe contributed/collaborated
towards a simple goal. I don't think any of the
collaborators (other than your family) has ever met face-
to-face. I don't believe this song was ever meant to be a
MacJams Star Search. It's a testament to not only to your
father's song but how technology has enabled you to pull
a project like this together.
The church I attend has an excellent choir. I enjoy both
the arias and the ensemble. Each has their place. I
definitely think that this song lends itself to be more of an
ensemble because that's the definition of a collaboration. I
am humbled to have been part of this communion. I'm not
sure about everyone else but this song has uplifted my
Christmas spirit during this season. Isn't that what's it all
about? [ Reply to This ]
What a nice surprise! &mdash 12/07/04 - 06:00:28 AM
A great way to start my day.
It is a wonderful tune, the melody classic and the
collaborations top shelf.
MissChaos, the opening to this tune is timeless. The
strings are perfect!
Slimmie, you sound like you are are singing with the
Vienna Boys Choir. Very Classy!
Guitar Guys, job well done. Nice licks.
Jack, I am glad to hear your recorder lift this song to the
heavens. Boy-you sure have your fingers in everybodies
pie.
Alimar, you hit a home run with this one! I am beginning
to think you are on some kind of musical steroids.
Congrats to all!!!!!
10s and DL.
[ Reply to This ]
Wondering &mdash 12/07/04 - 09:21:16 AM
I'd been wondering for a while what this project would
sound like. It was a very pleasant surprise. Must have not
been easy to combine the work of all these people.
Congratulations! [ Reply to This ]
Fulfills the ultimate vision of MJ &mdash 12/07/04 - 10:11:09 AM
This belongs right after "Jingle Bells" and right before
"Silent Night" in the Christmas pageant! Great song,
awesome collab. So impressive, musically and logistically.
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Alimar... &mdash 12/07/04 - 10:26:19 AM
for a wonderful macjams Christmas present. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful Christmas collaboration. Yes, many voices and instruments. But that, I suppose, was part of the idea. Many partaking in a musical celebration of the birth of Christ.
Congratulations Mr. Al Sr.! You have written a beautiful and joyous song. Al, great job of mixing and editing all the parts. Slimmie... heavenly vocals. Kudos to all the players. As packosmokes said, an instant classic.
Music is more than just getting everything technically the best. It is about communicating a feeling and, in this case, the spirit of Christmas. In that, Alimar, you have succeeded. Take a bow everyone.
God bless!
Jack
[ Reply to This ]
Uhhhhh &mdash 12/07/04 - 10:46:07 AM
A real thrill for pagan heathans like me.
I give it a 12 for logistics. [ Reply to This ]
Ho, Ho, Ho... &mdash 12/07/04 - 11:39:02 AM
I love this season. This song is wonderful and fun. It really sounds like you were all performing together. Geat job. Destined to become a classic. Thank you all for working on this. Special thanks to Alimar's father for writing such a cheerful celebratory song. No wonder the Pencil Master is such a nice person. Happy Holidays to all of you MJers. [ Reply to This ]
It's great &mdash 12/07/04 - 12:11:32 PM
I wanted to also contribute on this one, but I've been too busy with school and work. =) Great job, you guys. [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 12/07/04 - 12:20:11 PM
Beautiful song, beautiful collaborative effort from around
the globe at Christmas time, just beautiful.
Thanks for the song you guys! [ Reply to This ]
Sweet song &mdash 12/07/04 - 02:18:52 PM
Somehow, I thought the 11th of December ws the cutoff
for contributions. Maybe for a future installment. You
assembled a jubilant group. What an achievement to blend
all this and make it sound like a live choral presentation.
Good cheer to all. - Rich [ Reply to This ]
Well done everyone! &mdash 12/07/04 - 06:05:24 PM
What amazing performances by everyone who
contributed. It blows me away to think that we all created
this song from different parts of the globe. A special
thank you to Alimar for inviting me help in this creation.
Al--It's hard to imagine how much time you've spent
mixing all these parts and tweaking each track. The result
is absolutely beautiful. *applauding all of you!*
Miss Chaos [ Reply to This ]
I think.... &mdash 12/07/04 - 07:14:52 PM
Snoopy and Woodstock would approve! :) I like!
Another keeper. A big THANK YOU to your father for
the nice MacJams Christmas gift. Sounds like he put
your feet to the fire on this one, huh A? Way to go,
dad! lol! Kudos to the rest of the Macjam All-Stars,
too. [ Reply to This ]
I like the way this has so much of everything &mdash 12/08/04 - 10:44:42 AM
Christmas is all about excess and this really hits the nail
on the head. Think "I believe in Father Christmas" by Greg
Lake. Only comment (and I don't know why it suddenly hit
me now instead of all the other times I heard it (sorry
dude) is I would have a break between the chorusses and
the verses to let it breathe a bit more.
But that's minor. Another boggling production job. I can
almost smell the turkey and mince pies.
Season's regards to your pa too
Merry Christmas, dude
Ringo [ Reply to This ]
Christmas is coming!!!!!!! &mdash 12/08/04 - 11:38:58 AM
That's beautiful Christmas song!!! I think it's a valid
alternative to the classical ones.
That's all folks!!!
Ciaoooooo
Silver girlfriend [ Reply to This ]
excellent work folks! &mdash 12/08/04 - 12:35:13 PM
now that's what i call a collab! super nice job everyone. i
think this is a really heartfelt example of the christmas
spirit-lots of giving & joy. wish i could have got my act
together & helped out! [ Reply to This ]
Charming &mdash 12/08/04 - 04:53:44 PM
This is a lovely, loving piece of work. You should all be
very proud. [ Reply to This ]
The First Ever &mdash 12/08/04 - 06:21:16 PM
Christmas track up on Macjams.
It's lovely to know that Alimars Dad wrote this so long
ago, and here it is done in true Macjammers Style..
great production Alimar
Slimmie
10's
[ Reply to This ]
Oh Al... &mdash 12/09/04 - 10:33:58 PM
This is fan diddle. For riddle. I fancy myself hiking up my
trousers, and prancing out to the hills for a yule dance.
And then, maybe, I meet this REALLY HOT blonde swedish
lady that thinks that I am sooooooooo cool and awesome
(as well). This is WOON-derful! WOON-DERFUL!!! [ Reply to This ]
seasonal cheer &mdash 12/10/04 - 08:11:59 AM
Very nice lyrics, and the vocals were surprisingly
"together" for such a large collaboration!
The accompaniment seemed just a bit thick and blurry. It
could have used more of a bass-line and more definite
rhythm, IMHO. Maybe percussion including sleigh-bells.
I especially liked the section with less instruments; the
texture there was more clear.
Overall, this is a good holiday tune, well performed.
Congratulations, all! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks... &mdash 12/10/04 - 10:31:52 PM
glorious song &mdash 12/12/04 - 07:18:51 PM
Happy Holidays to all!
Thank you for the boost.....it's happy!
The joy of collabs......Your all wonderful.
Orangie [ Reply to This ]
like watching a home movie &mdash 12/14/04 - 06:52:21 AM
the interesting instrument breaks save this from total schmaltz. like watching a home movie. to celebrate the macjams family, it gets kudos. kind of a loose family private singalong from production point of view, however. couldn't help but think of the way Christmas used to be... [ Reply to This ]
Merry Christmas, to all &mdash 07/13/05 - 08:35:34 AM
A great track &mdash 07/07/07 - 01:44:12 PM
What a terrific track, Alimar. So many things going for it -- the family connection, the collaboration with so many other talented MacJammers, and the solid songwriting.
This was certainly a worthwhile project. [ Reply to This ]
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